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Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Autonomous vehicle Test Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $24.25/hr

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving vehicle in autonomous mode, including collecting data and providing feedback, and offering ride hail ...

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving vehicle in autonomous mode, including collecting data and providing feedback, and offering ride hail ...

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving vehicle in autonomous mode, including collecting data and providing feedback, and offering ride hail ...

Autonomous vehicle Operator with CDL

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving vehicle in autonomous mode, including collecting data and providing feedback, and offering ride hail ...

Showing results 41-60

Autonomous Vehicle Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$30

How much do autonomous vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous vehicle operator in California is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an autonomous vehicle operator?

To thrive as an Autonomous Vehicle Operator, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of road safety regulations. Familiarity with data logging systems, onboard diagnostics, and autonomous vehicle software platforms is typically required, and some employers may prefer candidates with technical certifications or experience in vehicle technology. Strong situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure the safe operation and accurate monitoring of autonomous vehicles during testing or deployment, which is critical to both public safety and the advancement of autonomous driving technology.

What is an autonomous vehicle operator?

Autonomous vehicle operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the safe operation and testing of self-driving vehicles. They typically monitor the vehicle’s systems, take control when necessary, and report data or issues to engineering teams. Their role is essential in ensuring that autonomous vehicles perform safely during testing and development phases, often on public roads or closed tracks. Operators also help troubleshoot technical problems and contribute feedback to improve vehicle performance.

What are common challenges faced by autonomous vehicle operators during their daily tasks?

Autonomous Vehicle Operators often encounter challenges such as monitoring complex vehicle systems while maintaining consistent focus during long periods of testing. They must quickly respond to unexpected situations on the road, like erratic drivers or changing weather conditions, to ensure safety and accurate data collection. Effective communication with engineering and safety teams is essential, as operators regularly provide feedback and report anomalies to improve vehicle performance. Adaptability and strong attention to detail help operators excel in this dynamic, fast-evolving field.

What is the difference between Autonomous Vehicle Operator vs Delivery Driver?

AspectAutonomous Vehicle OperatorDelivery Driver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, safety training, sometimes certification in vehicle operationDriver's license, route knowledge, delivery-specific training
Work EnvironmentMonitoring autonomous vehicles, remote or on-site, in urban or suburban areasDriving vehicles to deliver goods, often on fixed routes or schedules
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, autonomous vehicle services, logistics firmsRetail, food services, courier companies

While both roles involve vehicle operation, Autonomous Vehicle Operators focus on overseeing and monitoring autonomous systems, often remotely or in controlled environments, whereas Delivery Drivers are responsible for physically delivering goods using traditional driving skills. The roles differ mainly in technology use and work setting, but both require valid licenses and safety awareness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in California?

For Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,073 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Autonomous Vehicle Operator, San Francisco (PM Shift, 12-Month Duration)

Nuro

San Francisco, CA

$25.50 - $32/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

This is a temporary, full-time position with full benefits, with an expected end date of 12 months from hire. This position is based on site in South San Francisco, CA 94080 with the first 2 weeks of training based in Santa Clara, CA 95054

Who We Are

Nuro believes self-driving vehicles are the most immediate and profound opportunity for AI to drive positive change in the physical world. Safer streets, more time for what matters, and easier access to the world around us, that's why we're building a universal autonomy platform: self-driving for all roads and all rides.
Founded in 2016, Nuro is a physical AI company developing Level 4 autonomous driving technology for a wide range of vehicles, use cases, and markets. Powered by the Nuro Driver™, our universal autonomy platform enables the global mobility ecosystem to deploy autonomy at scale, from robotaxis and logistics fleets to personal vehicles.
With years of real-world deployment experience and a flexible, partner-led business model, Nuro is working toward a future where millions of autonomous vehicles powered by our technology help make everyday life safer, easier, and more connected.
Nuro has raised over $2B in capital from Uber, NVIDIA, Google, Softbank, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, and other leading investors.

About the Role

Our operations team is growing and we are looking for Autonomous Vehicle Operators (AVOs) to join us. In this role you will be responsible for operating our autonomous test vehicles that run proprietary software and hardware, while helping train our self-driving technology.

Professionalism, care, and personal accountability are significant attributes as you will be expected to adhere to the culture of safety and standards of conduct exemplified by the team. You will have to pass a number of training checkpoints both in and out of the vehicle.

About the Work
  • Operate a vehicle in manual and autonomous mode up to 8 hours per day in diverse traffic conditions while adhering to proper safety and operational driving procedures
  • Utilize proprietary ground-breaking software to collect data in a variety of real-world situations, while simultaneously providing detailed and accurate feedback to our engineers
  • Troubleshoot operational issues in real time and collaborate with Mission Operations (dispatch) team as needed to resolve as quickly as possible and hit mileage collection targets
  • Conduct daily vehicle inspection checks before and after missions
  • Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, including but not limited to washing vehicles, putting air in tires, etc.
  • Occasionally interact with members of the public to educate them on autonomous vehicle technologies and behaviors
  • Occasionally serve as a company ambassador by safely and confidently conducting high-profile ridealongs for senior leadership (CEO, President, VPs), major stakeholders, investors, and engineers. You will expertly balance safe operations with professional communication, fielding general questions, and strategically deferring technical inquiries to the correct Points of Contact (POCs) or subject matter experts
  • Monitor onboard safety and navigational systems while maintaining constant situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols while driving
About You
  • You are able to reliably work 5 days a week on one of the following shifts:
    • Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT(Mon-Fri)
    • Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Tue-Sat)
    • Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Wed-Sun)
    • Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Thu-Mon)
    • Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Fri-Tue)
    • Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Sat-Wed)
    • Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Sun-Thu)
  • You have a current valid California driver's license and have been in possession of a US license for 3+ years
  • You have a clean driving record and can pass a criminal background check and drug test
  • You have a passion to learn about processes and autonomous vehicles
  • You have strong communication skills (written and verbal) and are able to comfortably communicate through modern online collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Google Meet, or similar)
  • You are comfortable operating standard field equipment, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which are critical for documentation, training, and real-time workflow procedures
  • You exhibit strong problem-solving skills by remaining calm and resourceful under pressure to troubleshoot operational issues
  • You have strong collaboration and time management skills and are able to work independently or in small groups for periods without direct supervision
  • You are self-driven and able to stay focused and goal oriented while adapting to frequent changes and evolving conditions
  • You have a proven record of reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance
Working Conditions and Essential Functions

Due to the nature of the position, this job requires:

  • Sitting for 3 to 4 hours at a time for up to 8 hours per day in an enclosed vehicle alone or occasionally with a co-driver
  • Bending, squatting, stretching and lifting up to 25 pounds on a regular basis
  • Side and up/down movement of the head, neck, back and shoulders necessary to operate a vehicle safely
  • Ability to work in a vehicle that may brake, swerve, slow, or stop abruptly
  • Holding and grasping with hands and frequent use of foot/feet to operate foot pedals when driving the vehicle

The total compensation package for this position includes base pay and a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, daily meal reimbursement, and paid time off in addition to limited company holidays. For this position the reasonably expected base hourly rate is $27/hour for the afternoon/evening shift. Employees will receive a weekend differential for hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays, in addition to their base hourly rate. You may also be eligible for a discretionary biannual contract completion bonus based on company and individual performance.

At Nuro, we celebrate differences and are committed to a diverse workplace that fosters inclusion and psychological safety for all employees. Nuro is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.